Sophia Ramos Named October “Best Vocalist Of The Month" With Her Song, "Girlfriend's Ghost"
By Dale Kawashima
Sophia Ramos
Sophia Ramos, an excellent, contemporary rock singer & songwriter based in New York City, has won the October SingerUniverse “Best Vocalist Of The Month” Competition, for her performance of her song “Girlfriend’s Ghost” (co-written by Kyle Kelso). This song is from her 10-song CD, Her Majesty, which she released independently in November 2005.
“Girlfriend’s Ghost” is an exciting, propulsive rock track, which provides a solid showcase for Ramos’ high-energy, powerhouse vocals. The highlight of this song is its chorus, where Ramos’ intense vocals combine with a fierce, Led Zeppelin-like guitar track. This recording was expertly produced by Ramos in tandem with her main producer and collaborator, Billy White.
Ramos grew up in the South Bronx in New York, and she was exposed to music early on, by her two older sisters and her aunt. She soon gravitated to rock ‘n roll, listening to bands like Led Zeppelin and Queen, while also being inspired by the music of Stevie Wonder and Celia Cruz. When she was 15, she moved to the Lower East Side of Manhattan, and she started to play guitar and write songs, and perform in clubs.
“I focused on being the best singer and songwriter I could be,” Ramos explained. “I had dropped out of high school when I was 16, so music immediately became my goal and a way to make a living. I hustled – I sang lead in some bands, background vocals in other bands. I also worked as an under-age bartender and made jewelry.”
Sophia Ramos performing live.
Ramos got her first break, when she subbed for an artist who had failed to show up for a big showcase in Manhattan. “I had a chance to sing in front of an industry crowd, and I tore the roof off the place,” she said. “Afterwards, Dick Scott (then manager of TLC and New Kids On The Block) approached me, and he later got my band, Sophia’s Toy, a deal with Sony Records.” Unfortunately, Sophia’s Toy was dropped from Sony before they could release their album.
Ramos decided to carry on as a solo artist, and she first released an EP and then an 8-song demo. Notably, in 2000 she won a VH1 Best Undiscovered Talent competition, and in 2002 she won the Abe Olman Excellence In Songwriting Award, which was presented by the Songwriter’s Hall Of Fame. Then in November 2005, she released her first, full-fledged album, Her Majesty. The album is a well-produced collection of rock and blues songs, and it’s an impressive showcase for Ramos’ vocal skills.
During most of 2006, Ramos has been promoting her album, with the help of her internet marketing expert, Princess Tai Poe. "She's a relentless, visionary PR machine," Ramos said. Ramos has also toured steadily on the East Coast, and has done some overseas gigs. And currently she is back in the studio, recording her follow-up album with producer & co-writer Billy White. Ramos' new album will be released in early 2007.
Top Five Vocalists Of The Month
"Best Vocalist Of The Month" Winner
More Best Vocalists Of The Month
| |
|
Melissa Goyette
|
|
| |
|
Christine Yvette |
|
| |
|
Melinda Colaizzi
|
|
| |
|
KayeJeye |
|
To enter the next "Best Vocalist Of The Month" Contest (the deadline is the last day of each month), please Click Here
